🔥 Firebrand Collective

A blog for nonprofit leaders and consultants who are committed to social justice, equity, and impact.

How Trauma Affects the Way Survivors Work in the Non-Profit Sector
Jessica Li Jessica Li

How Trauma Affects the Way Survivors Work in the Non-Profit Sector

The nonprofit sector has talked about vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout for years. But there is little discussion on this topic of internal trauma that staff is experiencing. And trauma is contagious. If it is not dealt with, it has the potential to create a toxic environment. So how do we create a space for survivors to thrive?

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Okay, We Need to Talk About Toxic Non-Profit Workplaces
Jessica Li Jessica Li

Okay, We Need to Talk About Toxic Non-Profit Workplaces

The 2016 Nonprofit Employment Practices Survey, published by Nonprofit HR, puts the average employee turnover rate at 19%. We’re not talking just burnout here. In fact, we’re past burnout. We’re talking about the need for collective care and radical healing.

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Five Strategies to Manage Your Self-Care as a New Entrepreneur
Jessica Li Jessica Li

Five Strategies to Manage Your Self-Care as a New Entrepreneur

As a first-time entrepreneur and a new business owner, self-care can be challenging. There is always so much to do and never enough time. Recently, a fellow entrepreneur said to me, “You’ve got to be crazy to think you’re going to have evenings and weekends off, especially in your first five years”. Here’s the reality. Entrepreneurs are at high risk of experiencing stress, burnout, and potentially, mental health conditions.

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It's the End of the Year - That Means it's Time for a Raise
Jessica Li Jessica Li

It's the End of the Year - That Means it's Time for a Raise

The annual performance review is an opportunity for you to ask for an earned salary increase. Just to clarify, this is separate from the cost of living increase. In my career, I’ve asked for raises every single year I’ve worked, and I’ve gotten it. Every. Single. Time. Yes, even during a recession year.

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